Vatican releases update on health of Pope Francis

For most of this year, Pope Francis has been battling health issues.

The Vatican has been fairly vague about his condition, and there have been very few photos of the pontiff since he was hospitalized.

That changed this weekend, as the Vatican finally released a photo of the Pope in the chapel at Gemelli Hospital.

Appears to be Doing Better

This illness has been drug out far longer than anyone had anticipated.

It started with the Pope suffering flu-like symptoms and has resulted in the pontiff being hospitalized for weeks, mostly in secrecy.

On Sunday, the Vatican finally released a photo of the Pope at the hospital’s chapel, showing Pope Francis in his church garb while celebrating a mass with other priests.

He appeared to be okay in the picture, looking far better than I have seen him in photos before he was admitted.

The Vatican stated that the Pope continues to receive therapy for his illness and that he appears to be “benefitting from it,” which is a far cry from how some in the church were portraying him, making it sound as though he was on death’s doorstop.

On Sunday, the Pope also offered this traditional Sunday blessing, writing, “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness.

“Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”

According to the report, the Pope still requires “inpatient medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” but doctors have been gradually reducing his treatments as he has improved.

In his written address, the Pope did acknowledge the state of his condition, writing, “I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.

“Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”

It just baffles me as to why he will not step down and allow someone else to take over leadership of the Catholic Church.

This is exactly why I am not a fan of this Pope, as he seems to crave power and the spotlight, just like a typical politician, which is all I believe he really is with his constant criticism of our politics and conservative policies.